Sehwag has saved IPL by picking me, jokes Gayle
Gaylesays
PROVING A POINT Jamaican thankful to Sehwag for having bought him after he went unsold twice MOHALI:
With critics repeatedly questioning his fitness and relevance in modern-day cricket, Chris Gayle had more than a point to prove in this edition of the Indian Premier League. He finally grabbed the opportunity against Sunrisers Hyderabad, bludgeoned his sixth Indian Premier League (IPL) hundred to help Kings XI Punjab beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 15 runs in Mohali on Thursday.
Gayle scored 104 not out off 63 balls, containing 11 sixes and one four.
The West Indies opener was particularly harsh on Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, clubbing six sixes off him, including four in the 14th over. Later, Gayle thanked Kings XI Punjab director of operations and former India opener Virender Sehwag for picking him.
“I’m always determined. I always give it my all for whatever franchise I represent. I’m a 100 per cent. Like I said, it’s a new franchise. A lot of people might say that Chris has a lot to prove – he didn’t get selected or wasn’t picked early in the auction,” Gayle said in post-match interview.
“I think Virender Sehwag has saved IPL by picking me. This is a brilliant start. Viru said in an interview that if Chris Gayle can win us two games, we have got our money’s worth. I’d like to have another word with Viru and see what happens from thereon,” said Gayle who was not picked in the first round of this year’s auctions.
Kings XI Punjab captain R Ashwin too was effusive in his praise. “Chris batted beautifully and took it away from them. It is more about who we play and what works best. It is about doing well in the Powerplay,” he said later.
Time will wait for no one. I am not really here to prove anything. I’ve done it all before. Been there done that. Just put some respect on the name. Viru had said if
Gayle can win us two games, we have got our money’s worth. I’d like to have another word with him and see what happens.
“For example Mohit vs Dhawan was a clean match-up. It was extremely pleasing to see the crowd cheering us, we have never seen this in Mohali. Chris entertained them. One word won’t be enough to describe his knock. His style is hard to replicate, when it comes off, it is hard to match it.”
While reiterating he had nothing to prove, Gayle said he just wants to play while garnering some more respect. “A lot of people thought I’m too old. After this innings there’s nothing to prove. IPL and everyone around the world just put some respect on the name. Simple as that,” he said.
“Time will wait for no one. I am not really here to prove anything. I’ve done it all before. Been there done that. Just put some respect on the name. And all the coaches as well - just put some respect as well,” Gayle had said during the mid-innings break. After scoring the ton vs SRH On Virender Sehwag